Multitudes (#424- 446)

What if gratitude was as natural as breathing, because we knew in our bones that the air we breathe is grace?
Ann Voskamp, A Holy Experience

424. "Faith that goes forward triumphs." Matthew Henry
425. Girls welcoming friends.
426. Unsolicited thank you's
427. Wednesday lunches
428. smooth green guacamole
429. shiny tile
430. the smell of sheets dried in the sun
431. an unexpected package
432. the book-y familiar smell and crisp clean pages of a new magazine
433. the first taste of dark chocolate
434. a day with nowhere to be
435. learning a new game, and even winning once
436. nothing lost
437. knowing how to get there
438. no temeré mal alguno, porque tu estarás conmigo Salmo 23:4
439. fresh popped caramel corn
440. sleeping on the right side again
441. type flying fast is almost as good as a phone call
442. friends on Skype
443. May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. Numbers 2:24-25
444. morning sun on fuschia flowers
445. 20 minutes in the sunshine and quiet to write a letter
446. holding hands on the way back to school

Multitudes (#407- 423)

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all Thy works.
Psalm 73:28

407. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4
408. a sliver of blue sky after a week of rain = hope.
409. a reason to take out the camera
410. peach yogurt and granola when nothing else looks good
411. -0 on the grammar quiz.  Thankful not for the grade, but that in the end, I understood.
412. a dry house
413. tasty soup
414. calls from home; and especially a call because I was missed.
415. reservations for a visitor!
416. Christmas tree in a box
417. Grace is no grace unless it is freely given every way.  Matthew Henry on Galatians 2:21
418. a familiar hymnal
419. an invitation to lunch, all of us
420. Do you not know? have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired.  Isaiah 40:28
421. a daughter who makes cookies
422. a gift from a student
423. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast...  Hebrews 6:19

Multitudes (#388- 406)

Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplication.
The Lord is my stength and my shield;
My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart exults,
And with my song I shall thank Him.
Psalm 28:6-7

388. the computer still works!
389. enough cash for the taxi home.
390. she is so happy after volleyball.
391. 2 Corinthians 1:20 & "nothing can render God's promises more certain..."
392. ... but our adequacy is from God. 2Corinthians 3:5
393. the credit card will work in the ATM when the ATM card does not.
394. celebrating a new baby
395. meeting friends on the street
396. morning sunshine
397. empanadas de pollo
398. My eyes are continually toward the Lord... Psalm 25:15
399. notes from friends
400. chicken stir fry
401. ...for we walk by faith, not by sight.  2Corinthians 5:7
402.  My husband knows how to do geometry.  And physics.  And chemistry.
403.  But I can still help with long division.
404.  Sunday afternoon nap
405.  promise of morning
406. Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

(art credit:  Psalm 25 by Marc Chagall)

Multitudes (#362- 387)

I love Thee, O Lord, my strength,

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and deliverer,

My God in whom I take refuge;

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I call upon the Lod, who is worthy to be praised,

And I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3

362.  worship, in any language

363.  able to give directions to the taxi driver
364.  first day of classes
365.  new notebook and sharpened pencil
366.  prayer, in any language
367.  Concepcion.
368.  Taquisimos
369.  Clean floors!
370.  Clean bathrooms!
371. ...and the zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:7
372.  Chiky saurus cookies
373.  MagicJack
374.  farmers market fresh
375.  But let all things be done properly and in a good manner.  1Corinthians 14:40
376.  Round trip bus ride, and destination discovered.
377.  Haircut.
378.  Home before the rain.
379.  Phone call on the back porch.
380.  Taxi ride to the mall.
381.  Mango ice cream
382.  Notes from friends
383. Kids playing sports.
384. Let all that you do be done in love.  1Corinthians 16:14
385.  "Nothing can render God's promises more certain; His giving them though Christ assures us that they are His promises, as the wonders of God wrought in life."  Matthew Henry on 2Corinthians 1.
386.  Seeing so many friends near their support goals!
387.  First exam finished

(photo credit:  Psalm 181 by sowinginstone @etsy.com)

Consider joining the Gratitude Community at Holy Experience...

Multitudes (296- 361)

I haven’t listed the many thanks I have to give for several months.
That’s not because I haven’t had so very much to give thanks for, of course.
I think it was mostly being lazy, which is the worst admission of all.

Back to the discipline of giving thanks…

I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart;
I will tell of all Thy wonders.
I will be glad and exult in Thee;
I will sing praise to Thy name, O Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2

296.  Hospitality all along the way.
297.  The fellowship of like-minded believers.
298.  The freedom that the Statue represents
299.  God’s palette of people
300.  Ethnic food
301.  Safe travel
302.  Free wi-fi that works
303.  Check lists complete
304.  Closed doors open again
305.  Provision
306.  Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. (Ps. 150)
307.  Hospitality even still
308.  Testimonies and precious memories
309.  A charge
310.  Prayer over it all
311.  Car rides with friends
312.  Tears and hugs
313.  Sweet notes in a new hymnal
314.  A new game
315.  Early morning coffee
316.  Fish tacos for two
317.  Last dinners
318.  Wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness. (Ecc. 2:13)
319.  The first view of the Rockies
320.  Green chile enchiladas
321.  Sopapillas with honey
322.  Huevos rancheros
323.  Early morning breakfast that lasts longer than expected
324.  Being recognized and welcomed after 6 months away
325.  The wonder of His creation
326.  The vast openness in the landscape ahead
327.  Mini Oreo Blizzard on a scorching hot day
328.  Time with family
329.  First greetings
330.  The ease of friends
331.  Laughinglaughinglaughing
332.  Dinner at the Rainbow Cafe
333.  New friends
334.  A new lens cap
335.  Mochas and conversation, uninterrupted
336.  “God does not leave us as we are.”
337.  A familiar voice praying
338.  Ready the day before
339.  Selfless service, even when it requires a lot of miles
340.  “YOU DO!”
341.  Final warnings to have fun
342.  No hassles in security
343.  Real time maps
344.  A new book
345.  Phone calls before leaving
346.  Safe arrivals
347.  The kindness of strangers
348.  Sheets on the bed
349.  Therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lords. (Rom 14:8)
350.  Fresh pineapple
351.  Good coffee
352.  Kind teachers
353.  Umbrellas
354.  “I am pursued and harassed by the words of Jesus…”
355.  Email from friends
356.  Praise in any language
357.  Familiar faces for my kids
358.  Internet at home
359.  School supplies
360.  A cheap taxi ride when it is pouring
361.  The phone seems to work!

Multitudes (273- 295)

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. 
Give thanks to Him; bless His name. 
For the Lord is good; 
His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5

273.  all day soaking rain
274.  "Those that sow in tears shall reap in joy."  Matthew Henry
275.  good pizza and excellent company
276.  no rain, despite the forecast
277.  watching all the stuff walk down the driveway
278.  a sweet family back from service in Nepal
279.  the encouragement of strangers
280.  dear Marge
281.  a perfect night for lacrosse
282.  a perfect assist for a goal
283.  a win
284.  ice cream and fellowship
285.  cold shower and soft bed
286.  "the messenger cannot be more important than the Message."
287.  piano pieces long practiced and well performed
288.  a phone call while on the backyard swing in the cool of evening
289.  free moving boxes
290.  and mulch
291.  faithful servants
292.  Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples...  Psalm 96:3
293.  mango lassi
294.  and conversation and prayer on her front porch
295.  plans coming together

Multitudes (254- 272)

O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God,
And a great King above all gods.
Psalm 95:1-3

254.  6:30 breakfast at Lisa's
255.  laughing with friends
256. corporate prayer
257.  a great save in goal
258. friends saying goodbye, and parents knowing how precious that is.
259. dinner guests
260.  Is your heart right?  2Kings 10:15
261.  celebrating new babies
262.  clean dishes and clean glasses and clean silverware
263.  skittles and friends on the bleachers
264.  the belly laugh of a 2 year old
265.  worship
266.  new members
267.  friends who tell you
268.  international friends
269.  a handwritten card that says exactly what that little girl is thinking
270.  so many that you love in one place at one time
271. If the lord had not bee m help, my soul would have dwelt in the abode of silence.  If I should say, "My foot has slipped," Thy lovingkindness, O Lord, will hold me up.  Psalm 94:17-18
272.  baseball game and a wedding magazine and fold up chairs

Multitudes(239-253)

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
And to sing praises to Thy name, O Most High,
To declare thy lovingkindness in the morning,
And Thy faithfulness by night...
For Thou, O Lord, hast made me glad by what Thou hast done.
I will sing for joy at the works of Thy hands.
Psalm 92:1-2, 4

239.  His lovingkindness and faithfulness in Psalm 89, 15 times over
240.  a little girl excited for the day ahead
241.  silliness with the hose and bucket
242.  bird poop off of the car
243.  friends who pray with me, and for me
244.  patience
245.  If the Lord is God, follow Him- 1Kings 18:21
246.  "If Jesus be the only Savior, let us cleave to Him alone for every thing."  Matthew Henry
247.  worship
248.  community
249.  handmade cards
250.  surprise phone calls
251.  cake and coffee and conversation and laughing
252.  pork loin on sale
253.  He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress; My God in whom I trust!"  Psalm 91:1-2

(art credit: Morning Song by janmyrickdesigns on Etsy)

Multitudes (199- 238)

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.  G.K. Chesterton

199.  friends who share lettuce

200.  chairs side by side, cheers that make no sense

201.  hustle

202.  little boys playing ball
203.  sisters cheering for their brother
204.  confession
205.  forgiveness
206.  reconciliation
207.  silly text messages
208.  cooking together
209.  106 pitches and a home run
210.  "We have an offer."
211.  Rejoicing with those that rejoice, and
212.  weeping with those that weep.
213.  fresh paint

214.  everything ahead on graduation day

215.  the choir singing Fairest Lord Jesus

216.  knowing these young men and ladies

217.  getting to the ball first

218.  playing hard

219.  the vivid greens of spring

220.  $1 large unsweet ice tea

221.  dinner with friends

222.  kids who love to have their picture taken

223.  Pinky swinging, "more!  more!"

224.  the magic of helium balloons
225.  birthday cake and ice cream
226.  celebrations!
227.  being welcomed
228.  vision for the future becoming more clear

229.  "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Let's pray..." and the sleeping baby barely stirs

230.  spring rain

231.  knowing where everything in the kitchen should be

232.  "let me tell you about my day..."

233.  "Good gravy!"

234.  sunset after the thunderstorm, wisps of pink and orange and lavender clouds streak across the sky

235.  "They are always welcome with us."

236.  when they notice you are not there, and call, and leave a message, and text

237.  a husband that can fix it, no matter what it is

238.  at all times pray, and do not lose heart...  Luke 18:1

(photo credit- me, but for the record, not one of those kids are mine!)

multitudes (149-198)

(photo credit- Sunrise 02 by chimothy27 @flickr- an Iowa sunrise taken one morning almost exactly a year ago)

Thy bounty is seen
in the relations that train us,
the laws that defend us,
the homes that shelter us,
the food that builds us,
the raiment that comforts us,
the continuance of our health, members, senses, understanding, memory, affection, will.
"Second Day Evening- Bounty," Valley of Vision

149. "None will long remain miserable who use aright the privilege of going to the mercy seat of a reconciled God in Jesus Christ." Matthew Henry
150.  the excitement of my kids preparing for the spring choir concert
151.  my faithful friends jumping in to help in the kitchen
152.  Papa in the audience
153.  Ethiopian dinner & an evening of precious fellowship ending in prayer
154.  craftsmanship beyond what we expected on the new porch rail
155.  safe travel, to and fro
156.  emerald green growth against deep dark and rich soil
157.  a rare evening with family, complete with mini-recital
158.  the view of the valley in Pennsylvania
159.  gracious and generous hospitality
160.  watching my kids make friends with MK's
161.  easy relationships that stand the test of time
162.  the foundation of our nation's heritage
163.  the service of those who gave their lives in battle
164.  cheerful text messages along the way
165.  kingdom work around the world
166.  those who support His workers faithfully
167.  "to have a passion for God is to have a passion for the nations."
168.  "we are characters in His story..."
169.  Ephesians 1:7- In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the .  riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us.
170.  thoughtful and curious questions during an afternoon with Spanish students
171.  the fellowship of believers
172.  a plan and a good prognosis
173.  how beautiful those old wood floors look!
174.  clean windows
175.  hearty welcomes and a meal to serve
176.  leftovers
177.  how clean is fresh paint!
178.  lilacs
179.  a bed of pink tulips
180.  rejoicing with an expecting mom
181.  catching up at Panera
182.  in person thank you's
183.  driving with the top down on a spring afternoon
184.  a phone call in the park
185.  return to Sunday worship
186.  "why is prayer necessary?  It is the chief part of thankfulness..."
187.  the poetry of Psalms
188.  a willing volunteer, an answer to prayer
189.  first birthday!
190.  family rituals
191.  lemons in a blue bowl
192.  a sweet email note
193.  the Sudanese kids
194.  a new Somali friend
195.  being schooled on the French Bible translation
196.  she who was lost is found
197.  hope for a buyer
198.  the stillness of morning

Multitude Monday (120 - 148)

O Christ,

All thy ways of mercy tend to and end in my delight.

Thou didst weep, sorrow, suffer that I might rejoice.

For my joy thou hast sent the Comforter,

multiplied thy promises,

shown me my future happiness,

given me a living fountain.

Thou art preparing joy for me and me for joy...

"Joy," Valley of Vision

120.  an eye exam and a new prescription

121.  excitement of girls preparing for a banquet

122.  Ethiopian food still there

123.  preciousness of questions and farewells

124.  good checkups and new toothbrushes

125.  conversation over the pew with a new friend

126.  sweet singing voices, even harmony

127.  6:30 breakfast at Lisa's

129.  perfect shot to the upper right corner- GOAL!

130.  home alone

131.  thinning out and boxing up

132.  new jeans

133.  clothes ready the night before

134.  monkey bread

135.  "He is Risen!"  "He is Risen indeed!"

136.  little girl on my lap

137.  crayon pictures on my bulletin

138.  finishing the book

139.  frisbee, hula hoops, skip sticks

140.  nap

141.  dying eggs

142.  fresh asparagus and strawberries

143.  green- grass, leaves, plants

144.  playing outside

145.  neighbors on a walk

146.  phone calls from family

147.  an arsenal of allergy medicine

148.  a month of school plans complete

Multitude Monday (100-119)

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105

100.  dinner with friends, and tasty queso bean dip

101.  grace in the kitchen

102.  sisters who are friends, and friends who are sisters
103.  an invitation to work, and the blessing of the influence of time with Godly men

104.  clean and freshly painted kitchen cabinets
105.  prayer
106.  an evening stop at the bookstore
107.  three snuggled in the bed
108.  playing hard until the end
109.  lunch at Chick-Fil-A
110.  hawks, floating on the currents, over the highway
111.  home
112.  listening, and seeing it confirmed
113.  a reminder to cling, both here and here on the same morning, for He who promised is faithful.
114.  international friends
115.  a smorgasbord of food
116.  the zeal of a child swinging at the pinata
117.  the joy of serving with likeminded friends
118.  dessert with my husband
119.  laughter

(photo credit:  the New Dungeness Spit lighthouse, by cscotte on flickr, in honor of my friends who are there as lighthouse keepers this week) 

Multitude Monday (71-99)

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast.
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!
Awake, my glory;
Awake, harp and lyre,
I will awaken the daw!
I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to Thee among the nations,
For Thy lovingkindness is great to the heavens,
And Thy truth to the clouds.
Be exalted above the heavens, O God;
Let Thy glory be above all the earth.
Psalm 57:7-11

(photo credit: Cranes at Sunrise by dwl14k at Flickr)

71. the Old Testament, relevant and applicable today.
72.  His graciousness
73.  A friend's smile in the checkout line
74.  9 week old baby girls
75. 2 year old little boys
76.  A couple with a heart to serve the Lord
77.  pecan french toast, fresh fruit, and the friend who made it for me
78.  green buttercream frosting
79.  watching her make the sauce, and seeing it work!
80.  leftover White House chicken
81.  "I was that girl..."
82.  Deuteronomy 31- "Be strong and courageous... do not be afraid" times 3
83.  flip flops and trampolines and giggling girls
84.  new baseball pants
85.  the clink of the bat, over and again
86.  the thud of the ball against the side of the garage, over and again
87.  watching the girls play the boys well
88.  a memory of back then
89.  a hand pat and a tear wiped
90.  early morning crying out to the Lord.
91.  clean cabinets
92.  cans in order
93.  a long phone call
94.  8000 singing praise
95. one congregation singing praise
96.  "this is my body, broken for you..."
97.  hamburger and french fries
98.  school plans for the week complete
99.  tucked in bed

Multitude Monday (50- 70)

For three things I thank God every day of my life:
thanks that he has vouchsafed to me the knowledge of His works,
deep thanks that He has set in my darkness the lamp of faith;
deep, deepest thanks that I have another life to look forward to -- a life joyous with light and flowers and heavenly song.
~ Helen Keller

50.  bright green sprigs of creation popping up from the dark rich soil
51.  a kiss in the middle of the day
52.  "The Lord your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf..."  Deuteronomy 1:30
53.  Ghirardelli dark chocolate mint bar, one square at a time.
54.  an unexpected note of encouragement
55.  servant leadership, tender, compassionate, strong
56.  a text message that makes me laugh
57.  sitting across the table from a friend that sharpens, coffee mug in hand.
58.  a little girl in a sparkly blue dress, swirling and twirling across the dance floor
59.  the greeting of a smiley dog in need of a haircut
60.  the lightbulb of "I get it!"
61.  schoolwork complete for the day
62.  paperwork printed and ready to go
63.  herbed chicken roasting
64.  a knowing laugh shared
65.  the smile of a friend from across the room
66.  O sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done wonderful things...  Psalm 98:1
67.  clean walls, fresh paint
68.  a new white sweater
69.  Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.  Psalm 54:4
70.  a ragtime duet, harmonious and on tempo

more at A Holy Experience

Multitude Monday (29-49)

As March shows her face with the turn of the calendar, the hope of spring dwells strong among everyone I know.  March is the hope that the long winter has but a short time remaining.  In the midst of melting snow and ice, I look for the promise of the green yet to come, and yet, linger on what remains, right now.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

a day late, but thankful nonetheless...

29.  early morning gatherings
30.  the b, over easy, and the c, scrambled with sourdough toast, with coffee and ice water
31.  the blessing of watching one determined to do the right thing
32.  an overdue lunch with a friend, paid for with a gift
33.  opportunity to minister
34.  safe travel
35.  teens who robustly love the Lord
36.  "so calm and even tempered on the court"
37.  crispy eggplant parmigiania
38.  pastors who labor tirelessly
39.  stained glass windows of old
40. generous hospitality to me and my family
41.  homemade cinnamon rolls in the fellowship time after I had missed breakfast earlier
42.  tamales
43.  sabbath rest, literally, the Sunday afternoon nap
44.  wrestling with questions of faith
45.  a surprise shirt for a daughter, clearance price $2.97
46.  the return of a familiar face, and the claps of happiness on recognition
47.  the amazing range in shades of melanin- "fearfully and wonderfully made"
48.  unexpected contributions, and faithful follow through of promise
49.  snow crystals sparkling as they melt, drop by drop


thank you to Holy Experience for Multitude Mondays

(Crocus botanical art credit to Catherine M. Watters)

Multitude Monday (13-28)

In his sermon yesterday, our pastor continued preaching through Colossians, 3:15-17 this week. 
"And be thankful," Paul exhorts us (v. 15), "...singing with thankfulness in your hearts (v. 16)," "giving thanks through Him to God the Father." 

Continuing that theme of thankfulness...

13.  seeing the sun peak over the horizon of my neighborhood at dawn.
14.  holding my morning mug o' latte,
15.  and drinking it too.
16.  the blessing of Numbers 6
17.  the promise of Psalm 46
18.  Wifi...
19.  . ..and meeting my husband at Panera to work
20.  dinner in the oven.
21.  unexpected surprises
22.  a poem that makes my children (and me) giggle
23. children content and satisfied and growing in many ways
24.  physical healing in friends
25.   one of my favorite hymns on a new download
26.  the storm that passed us by
27.  watching her figure out how to do it herself
28.  the family cheering on the Americans, and the underdogs, and a good performance

The list at Holy Experience grows also.
How 'bout yours?

Multitude Monday (1-12)

So after that last bit of complaining...
I really want to be known for something other than complaining.

And just in time, my friend introduces me to Multitude Monday at Holy Experience.

Remembering the psalmist who asked of God,
"You have taken account of my wanderings;
Put my tears in Your bottle
Are they not in Your book?
(Psalm 56:8)
Ann Voskeamp very purposefully states, "If God makes a list of my laments, I will make a list of God's love. If God has a list of my pain, I will make a list of my praise. If God writes a list of my tears, I will write a list of my thanks."

And so will I.
Because I am exceedingly abundantly blessed.
I am thankful for His many graces, His many gifts.

1. a sunny afternoon after a dismal morning
2.  the pink and orange and peach and lavender sunset that spread across the horizon
3.  my husband...
4.  ... who brings home a piece of chocolate cake for me.
5.  babysitting my friends' kids
6.  my two piano player who really do make music now
7.  a surprise phone call from my sister
8.  delicious valentine sugar cookies from a friend...
9.  ...and the recipe to make them myself
10.  the opportunity to know folks from all over the world, right here in the middle of the US
11. friends that serve cheerfully
12. clean sheets

and working towards 1000...
care to join?